Speaking about the problem of service quality, one should pay attention to the statement made recently by Minister of Culture and Tourism, Abulfas Garayev, who said that it’s necessary for travel agencies to employ people with higher education.
According to the minister, several measures have already been taken. “When a company applies for a license, we sign a contract. In such a contract all conditions are spelled out. We are trying to include this condition as well, but it’s hard, as there is no legislation regulating the matter,” the minister said.
The government is trying to increase the share of GDP produced by tourism. “According to unofficial data, tourism income in the last year constituted 1.5 billion manats. This is money spent by foreigners,” the minister informed.
Still, listening to Azerbaijani officials one may believe that the main aim of developing tourism in Azerbaijan is to create a favourable image of the country, rather than to increase its income. Certainly, these aims don’t contradict one another, but it would be reasonable to establish a priority anyway.
An interesting thought crossed my mind when I was visiting a unique amusement park in Gabala. The park is gorgeous, but there are so few people there. A friend of mine said at the time that he was glad that the park wasn’t overcrowded. It’s much better for a child to enjoy all its beauty without long queues before the entrance and crowds inside.
Maybe he is right. Perhaps it’s better for a little boy to feel like a sultan. But what about income? How can tourism be made profitable and expanded? And what are the Azerbaijani people really interested in?
Alexey Vlasov. Exclusively to VK
To be continued
